ANAHEIM, CA – JANUARY 28: Erik Haula #56 of the Minnesota Wild skates prior to the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on January 28, 2014 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

ST. PAUL, Minn. — When the Minnesota Wild lost center Mikael Granlund to an apparent head injury March 31, there was plenty of reason for concern. The second-year player was in the midst of a breakout season, and the Wild lacked another offensively potent center.

But given a chance with Granlund out, rookie Erik Haula has taken advantage of his first big NHL opportunity.

Haula finished the regular season with seven points in seven games since taking Granlund’s spot on the second line. Still, if Granlund can return for Game 1 of the Wild’s playoff series Thursday night in Denver against the Avalanche, Haula would drop to the third or fourth line.

“It’s great what Haula has done, and we haven’t made any decisions yet,” coach Mike Yeo said. “But obviously we’re getting a pretty good player back if Granlund is able to come back.”

Haula’s success — three goals and four assists since becoming the Wild’s second-line center — alleviated any need for the Wild to rush Granlund back. But after Granlund recorded 41 points in 63 games this season, the job will be waiting for him.

“He deserves it,” Haula said. “He’s had a great season. He’s played really well with (Jason) Pominville all year long. It’s just one of those things. I jump in when he gets hurt, and when he’s healthy, he’s going to come back and take that spot on that line, I’m sure, and I’m OK with that. Whatever (my) role is, I’m open to it.”

If Granlund can come back, Haula would either move to the wing and join the third line or return to centering the fourth line, which he was doing before Granlund’s injury. Either way, it would provide depth to a Wild team that has struggled to find secondary scoring.

EDMONTON, Alberta — In two games since returning from an eight-game injury absence, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has four points, including a goal, and multiple shots off the post or crossbar. The 22-year-old has undoubtedly re-proven that he is the Avs’ most valuable player — the player they must have in the lineup to make a legitimate playoff push.